Along Front Beach Road in Panama City Beach you’ll often find the restaurants with the best views are the ones with the biggest crowds. One of the most memorable dinners in the area is actually across the bay, tucked away behind a liquor store. Donovan’s Supperclub and Cocktails is easy to miss from the outside.
A Room Made for Lingering
From the road it’s a plain building and you’d hardly guess there’s an elegant dining room inside. The liquor store out front is run by the same people so that adds to the mystery.
Inside it’s dark wood, warm lighting and a nice bar which sets a relaxed yet polished atmosphere. It’s a room that stays lively without being too noisy so conversation over dinner is easy.
A Gimlet With a Tropical Twist
For the gin drinker the Bayab Gimlet is a great place to start. It’s pineapple and palm gin with lime juice and simple syrup.
Whiskey lovers may prefer the $25 E.H. Taylor Smoked Old Fashioned (smoked over cherry wood chips) as it does add real depth to the bourbon.
A Compact Menu With Fresh Ideas
Executive Chef Thomas Stukenborg keeps the menu simple. Rather than the usual seafood platters the kitchen will take standard ingredients and go in directions that most beach restaurants won’t.
The Fish Nibbles are a great introduction to tripletail (a Gulf Coast fish which gets its name from fins which give it the appearance of having three tails). Here it’s served with a passion fruit tartar sauce. The bluefin tuna nachos are another good option (instead of the usual cheese you get seafood nachos).
Starters Made for Sharing
If you’re having a meal with friends the crab corn fritters will be gone quickly.
A Salad Big Enough for Two
Salads are generally something you don’t pay much attention to, but the strawberry goat cheese salad is worth a look. It’s finished with pecans so there’s a nice balance of sweet, creamy and crunchy. It’s a generous portion so you can easily split it.
Tripletail Done Right
For the main course the tripletail is a good choice. It’s served with a large portion of lump crab rather than a heavy sauce.
Curry Shrimp With a Kick
For something bolder the Blue Mountain Curry Shrimp brings a good amount of heat without being overwhelming.
A Filet That Holds Its Own
Don’t skip the steak. The filet is thick, tender and well cooked so you don’t need a steakhouse to get a proper cut of beef.
Before You Go
The kitchen is equally at home with seafood and steak so ordering is generally not a gamble.
Donovan’s is at 3200 West Highway 98 in Panama City. It’s a short drive from the beach via the Hathaway Bridge over St. Andrews Bay.
Dinner is served Tuesday-Saturday from 4-10 p.m. and reservations are recommended. Given the smart dress code it’s best to leave the swimsuit and flip flops at the hotel. For bookings call (850) 785-9617.
